It’s finally that time again.
Our first “Indie Spotlight” on Loveholic was very well-received, so here’s yet another one for those of you craving some more “indie” goodness. This time around, we have yet another band featuring two male producing members and one female vocalist, who goes solo. The Melody consists of female vocalist Ta-ru, supporting instrumentalist Gwang-young, and keyboardist Go Woong, who is the band’s main songwriter and lyricist. Why something similar? Because I feel like it.
Under the Pastel Music label, The Melody was initially assembled in 2003, but were predominantly active starting 2006 with the release of a few singles and participation in drama OSTs. You may be familiar with their sound if you have seen Coffee Prince, the 2007 summer drama that boasted a really good soundtrack. Following the drama’s end, The Melody released their full length self-titled album in October 2007. Also might I say, some albums feature a a few good catchy songs accompanied by lackluster filler tracks, but not “The Melody,” the entire album is gold, warranting countless looped tracks and a strong recommendation.
If you wanted to categorize the sound of The Melody, it would be called indie pop rock, but that really doesn’t begin to explain it. The Melody boasts bright, lofty arrangements that carry a lot of sentiment and cheer in their melodies, yet at the same time, providing strong background percussion and guitar chords that create a bit of a hard edge to their music. It’s easy listening that is ideal for when you’re riding your bike through a quiet neighborhood with a light summer breeze, or contemplating life while taking a night stroll when the moon is out but the sky is slightly overcast. It’s good for both the lighthearted folk and the slightly broody.
The highlight of The Melody is really Ta-ru’s echoing, lilting voice. A lot of the songs feature English sections. Ta-ru’s English sounds a bit choppy and slurred, and is probably on par with our favorite ESL student, but the manner in which Ta-ru sings in her staggered, crooning English accent adds an extra layer of depth to the emotion of the songs. Her Engrish is all right by us.
Unfortunately, The Melody appears to have disbanded, and it looks like they are not making any music under that moniker in the future. On June 24, 2008, Ta-ru released her first mini-album titled “R.A.I.N.B.O.W” as the first page of her mini-album series “Music Recipe.” As she was preparing for the album, Ta-ru not only sang, but she also wrote a lot of the lyrics. “R.A.I.N.B.O.W” displays a much stronger lighthearted pop sound and experimentation with an electronica vibe, since it was produced by fellow Pastel artist, Sentimental Scenery, who is making a name for himself on his uplifting, yet haunting electronica sound.
Pastel is currently working very closely with LG for their Cyon Lollipop brand campaign, offering a lot of really interesting, cutesy sounding ringtones and sound effects for their phone. Ta-ru is also part of the campaign, having previously released a single for the LG CanU called “Bling, Bling.” Pastel seems to obviously be pushing Ta-ru more toward a mainstream pop image, but even when they are trying to sell out a little, it still better than most of the stuff pumped out on the radio.
Check out some of their tracks~
Probably the signature song of the Coffee Prince OST, here’s The Melody “La La La, It’s Love.”
Ta-ru, during The Melody “Love Box” live performance, displayed heart-wrenching expression in her song. It’s a little long, but if you enjoy her singing, you can sit through it.
The Melody “Paradise” Live
Ta-ru “Love Today” MV
Ta-ru “Yesterday” Live
Much love to friend Gloria for the help, and kickthebox for the tap on the shoulder.
Awesome, love the new sound. Top 40 kpop gets old after a while!
Wonderful! It’s a shame that Ta Ru is being pulled more toward the pop scene. “Love Box” is so haunting, and so beautiful. More Indie Rock, please!
sweeeeet! this is one of my fave type of music (love box and paradise). it’s good!
i fell for Melody.
Thank you for posting this.
If I were a Korean record exec I’d “form” a pop band… pretty girls (or guys) who (could actually) sing & play instruments… just like Japan’s ZONE… I think something like that would really be a hit there.
Wow, I am suprised some people don’t know them. HOpefully you will feasture Lucite Tokies next time.
Love these guys! Sad to hear they’re not together. I loved their songs from Coffee Prince the best.
I’d also love to see you guys profile Lucid Fall or Humming Urban Stereo. They kind of remind me of both The Melody and Loveholic.
ahhh i lovee the melody to pieces<3(: i was so sad when they disbanded…
she’s good!
She’s too breathy.
Why spotlight a group that’s no longer together? The toal article should have been about Taru.
Shutup. The group exists and has an album out. Why can’t POPSEOUL! share that? There are many disbanded groups out there that people love.
Telling me to shut up just shows what a dumb ass you are! I have a right to ask a question if I want to without being attacked by some stupid ass fangirl with nothing better to do with her time.
totally agree with you.. i mean if theyre disbanded & taru is theonly one that is continuing to make new music then why not shed the spotlight only on her? i mean if the others arnt participating much then why not lol & i she she basically carried the group with her voice..
Casker next, please!
Btw. If anyone is interested, you can download The Melody’s album, as well as Taru’s solo stuff @ my Asian Indie Post. (With over 100 albums of Asian indie! – Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Thai, etc)
http://ayulyn.livejournal.com/7856.html#cutid1
Please comment if you download anything and please pass the link along and share the indie love!
oh thx for the list… i’ll take note of your list.
it’s not working
Korean indie is the best! I love every band that’s on Pastel music! I also discovered Korean indie through Coffee Prince and since then; my life hasn’t been the same! You should do one on Belle Epoque! Their first album is AMAZING!
wow belle epoque too. so relaxing to hear these type of music
btw we(friends) categorize this type of music as “chillax” slang for chill and relax.
guys list me more bands. but i prefer with english lol
after seeing Melody’s vids and posting, i’ve been playing it up until now.
guys list me more bands
i’m making a list to watch/hear now.
btw, i prefer acoustic > electronica/drum machines.
sorry for double posting. i’m too hooked now
Nell
Peppertones (mostly instrumental)
Rollercoaster
W&Whale
Fanny Fink
Heritage
Hot Potato (1N2D Kim C’s band)
Jaurim
Love & Pop
My Aunt Mary
Tearliner
Sweatpea
Yozoh
Also may I recommend these really good Japanese indie bands~
Sakanaction
school food punishment
anam&maki
DEPAPEPE (guitar duo)
@e1leen0nt0fu – that is such a great list, I have listened to most of these artists as well and loved what I heard.
I would also like to recommend Bluedawn. They also had a song on the Coffee Prince ost (which is a great album by the ways.)They are more of an acoustic/folk/pop type of sound.
omg THANKS so much for this list
i shall be checking them out
it’s nice to hear something fresh and relaxing after all of those mash-up dance-y pop tunes~
There are a good no. of good “indie” pop or rock bands in Korea; unfortunately, the marketplace isn’t exactly conducive to such groups.
One soundtrack you should check out is the one for the film “Madeleine” starring Shin Min Ah (also, a pretty good film, I might add).
It has a bunch of really good indie rock songs sung by actress/singer Park Jeong Ah who plays a singer in a rock band in the film (the band her character is fronting is an actual band).
thank you thank you endlessly for doing this again!!
once again, i love the band that you featured in this section! although it’s a pity that they’re not together anymore… thank you for shedding light on the more or less underground part of korean music scene, your efforts are much appreciated!!! XD
YESSSS! you need more indie!
at a certain point bubblegum k pop gets old
hey wasnt Taru in 1minute1second by epik high? from lovescream.
love that song. =)
I love the melody, such a great album. Taru’s album was pretty good as well, I really like the “love today” song on that album (even if i am not really feeling the video).
yay… love the melody!!!!! so far all my fave bands u’ve made spotlight…! thank you for giving the recognition! hehehe i love them… but may i suggest another one too… bluedawn… although maybe u will have them on spotlight later soon… hehehehe
i love this group & got their album
their tracks are so light & airy & feels like spring all the time
i didn’t know they disbanded though
great pity …
i so like this band.. i have Taru’s Rainbow album by the way.. hahaha songs in the album are really nice, i love Taru’s voice ..
they suck lol
“Love Today” sounds so good!! such a cute song ^^
MORE INDIE BAND PLEASE…SICK OF KPOP GROUP AND GIRLS GROUP…
AGREED!
See this is what I mean, just like America, Japan, anywhere, good music goes unoticed now this is Korean music! But you gotta find the good stuff as always.
I quite like this group! They’re a refreshing break from the kpop. The female vocalist’s voice is very nice.
this is the AWESOME-ST indie band ever! \m/ i’ve heard all their songs. it’s really super catchy and relaxing. :>
me too! like it and love it…
More indie reviews, please!
I lovelovelove The Melody!
I love the indie korean music bands/singers than the pop ones that’s always on the charts, no pun intended
I think these are the real artists and real musician’s that’s ought to be more recognized than the usual pop idols who are either just dancing, lip synching or making cutesy faces. Again, I don’t mean to offend, Just saying my opinion. Korean indie music scene are great, and must listen to.
Nell are great, so are; A Small Acacia Band, Cloud Cuckoo Land, Peter Pan Complex, Casker, Cherry Filter, Belle Epoque, Humming Urban Stereo, Huckleberry Finn ~ to name a few
She featured in one of Zitten song called, “Tiny Little Baby” which was on the Triple OST. The song is awesome!
haha… im now a new fan of the melody… i really love coffee prince and its ost, so now that i know the people behind d ost, i would like you guys (the melody) to know dat i appreciate ur music… though i only know a little of ur language..
ae cha, phillipines